“Good thinking.” X pulls the pen out of her mouth and points it at my direction. “You do realize you’re my best girl the way you always think of others?”
I just don’t want him on my mind like this. I refuse to think about Mr. Vanguard for another second. I click the dismiss button on my brain. He’s gone. Nikki is full of herself if she thinks she hasn’t seen me like this since Frank Flores. I’m fine. I’m just going to pretend that I never enjoyed his conversations, or his strong hands pressing against my body.
I’m completely fine.
I slide past the couch. The back of the cushion rubs against my stomach, making my heart flutter. Get a hold of yourself. I clench my fists and try to stop thinking of him. Reef Vanguard is never coming back to you. So just get over it. Somehow, that last part seems like something I’ll be convincing myself for the rest of my life. This could possibly be worse than Frank Flores ever dreamed of being.
CHAPTER EIGHT
How dare she leave a scar on me like this. I listen to my brother Rexton laugh on the other end of the line while I stare out the front window of my Rover watching Isabella as she flirts with Jeb in the parking lot. She’s surrounded by pallets of flowers. Which is just like her. Issi with a flower next to her name. And Jeb. Who names their kid that? It’s like three letters that barely make sense. I can’t stand that guy. She probably kisses him in the back room on her lunch breaks just like she kissed me in the back of the limo. No wonder the guy was so paranoid around me that first day I came in here.
“You still there?” Rexton asks since I’ve ignored him the last little bit of our conversation.
“Yeah, I’m here.” The sound of his voice is enough to put me in the hospital with a fever.
“Hey, man, it was just a date. I swear. Don’t be too mad.” He chuckles. “I always know how to get your goat.”
“And you always knew how to sleep with my girlfriends without telling me.”
“C’mon now, that’s not fair. You knew about Judy Howard long before I ever told you.”
“You slept with her?” I shout and reach over to flip the air conditioning to full blast.
“Reefcake, I thought you knew about that.” Rexton’s hysterical laughter is bringing me to murder anyone within two inches of Isabella.
“Apparently not.” My words are coated with anger, slicing through the phone.
“Look, I’m just sayin’ let me take a look at her at the game and I’ll tell you if she’s the one I slept with.” His sinful voice disgusts me. “She’s damn good in bed. I’ll tell you that for sure.”
“You’re married.” I shake my head. “What about Renae and the girls?”
“You tell me how you’re doing after ten years of a cold marriage, and then you can judge me.” His steel tone makes my stomach hurt. “You know what you need? You need to go out and do something crazy. Go get laid by her sister. I swear she told me her sister worked at the same place.”
I sit there, not paying much attention to the last part because I’m trying to find a cold enough reason in his marriage that he can be such and asshole to my sister-in-law.
“Hey, man, I gotta jet,” Rexton says with a shaky voice like he’s up to no good on his lunch break. “Just don’t forget I have four front row seats to the Lakers game. If we’re lucky we’ll get to see the new girl that everybody’s talking about on TV. I hear she got her boobs done.”
“Dude, you’ve seriously got problems.” I clutch the phone in my hands and end the conversation. I could crush the thing into a million pieces because I’m so pissed that I answered his call. I came to surprise her at work, and now I’m dealing with the fact she’s a hooker. I’m pissed because she didn’t strike me as that type. But maybe that’s her act. She’s probably as good at playing poker as her boss. But why did she have to sleep with my brother of all people?
I clench my jaw and stare at her laughing at the stupid way Jeb is teasing her. Why her, Rex? I feel sick at the thought of my brother sleeping with the only woman I’ve ever felt something for. I can’t even describe how much I enjoy her stubborn nature. And that honesty. It’s contagious. Or her willpower that could bring any man to his knees, even when he’s not wrong. But that’s nothing compared to the sweet smell of her hair, or the soft feel of her skin. My eyes drift to her stomach. Damn it. I could explode I’m so angry. This just sucks. Every part of it.
I inhale a deep breath of cold air blowing out the vents.
Dude, you got this. I stare into the rearview and mess with my hair, making sure the bun looks as relaxed as my day old t-shirt and jeans.
My heart starts to pound as I open the door.
Just walk up to her and demand the truth, I start convincing myself as I step out of the Rover and shut the door. Don’t look at her face. Keep your eyes on the horizon. I check to make sure the sun is still overhead so it won’t get in the way if things get complicated.
I barely feel the asphalt pressing against the soles of my flip-flops while I move toward them.
Her laughter is music to my ears that slowly fades to pain, clenching my chest.
My hands are shaking.
Just do it.
“Hey, there,” I say, and Jeb quickly looks up. I nod at him before her soft brown eyes greet mine. The warm olive coloring seems to drain from her face. She’s guilty. I can already tell by her expression. Damn it. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”
“What are you doing here?” She asks, and begins to retreat back inside the garden center.
“Is there somewhere we can go and talk?” I follow her inside and raise my hands to the top of my head. A warm breeze brushes against my abs from where my t-shirt has lifted.
She stares at my love trail, and then back to my face.
Dude, keep it on the horizon. Don’t forget the damn horizon.
I tilt my head back and stare at the canopy over our heads.
Don’t look at her face.
“Reef, you need to leave. I’m working. Don’t make this complicated.” She grabs a planter and wanders to the opposite area where they have patio furniture set out.
“We both know this isn’t your line of work,” I mock, allowing my words to slice as deep as she’ll allow them.
She nearly drops the pot on a table, but doesn’t say a word.
“Did you sleep with him?” I growl.
Jeb wanders next to us. “Is everything okay in here?”
“Fine,” Isabella says and grabs the front of my t-shirt. “Reef was just leaving.” She pulls me outside into the parking lot.
“Just tell me the truth,” I demand. “That was our rule, remember?”
“Rules are meant to be broken.” She turns around. “Isn’t that what you told me that night you sent me home?”
“So you did sleep with him and this weekend was just some sort of sick joke you were playing on me for him?” I fold my arms over my chest, boiling in the heat of the sun, or maybe it’s the pain burning from my heart.
“Who are you talking about?” She puckers her brows into a perfectly charming position of anger.
“My brother,” I tell her without any reservation.
Jeb is pacing back and forth inside the building and I can’t stand the idea of him distracting us again.
“Look, I need two bags of bark. Can you help me take one to that Rover?” I ask, stepping close enough I can reach out and swipe the nametag from her apron without her noticing. I quickly shove it in my pocket. This might just be the something crazy I need right now. Is a tattoo of her name on my body too crazy? No. It’s a reminder to never fall for another woman. I don’t care if I stare at the black ink for the rest of my life to remind myself of the scar she left. I’ll do it. All because I hate that I just want to hold her again. I’m always going to want to hold her again.
“Earth to Reef.” She snaps her fingers in front of my face. “You can get your own bags of bark. I’m done with this conversation.”
“Oh, I don’t think you are.” I grab her arm.
She rips it away. “I didn’t take your money. I don’t want it.”
I stand there, dumbfounded. “I don’t want your little boyfriend calling security and telling them I swiped a couple bags of bark.” I jut my chin. “Can you at least follow me?”
She glances back at Jeb and smiles.
He turns around and helps a nearby customer.
I grab the bark, trying to ignore the irritating slivers digging into my hands from the torn bag. “How do you do this all day?” I ask as we wander to the Rover, and then awkwardly shuffle the bag around in order to pop the back door open.
“It’s better than sleeping with your brother,” she snaps.
I narrow my eyes.
She raises her brows.
“Just tell me if Cabo was real for you, or last night. Was any of that real?” I close the door so I can lean against the Rover to appear relaxed.
“You have more money than most small countries and you’re asking me about reality.” She laughs. “Men like you are always sick in the head. They’re never satisfied with real things. But the funny thing is that mystery woman you’re looking for. She doesn’t exist in monogamous relationships. She’s a cheater. Just like my mother. How’s that for reality?”
I continue to stare at her, but don’t say a word. I sort of believe she’s the person I spent the weekend with and not what my brother told me. And she’s not walking away. That’s a plus. I can probably deal with the fact she might have slept with my brother. For all I know, there might not be a woman on this planet that hasn’t slept with him. I refuse to let that ruin what I’m feeling for her while she’s still here, not walking away. I’m not letting this one go.
“Reef, why are you here?” Her lower lip does that pouty girl thing that makes my knees weaken.
Focus.
“I just want to know who you are,” I tell her the truth, hoping she’ll respect that I’m at least being honest.
“You want the truth? I’m not some property you can own. How’s that for the truth. Go buy someone else’s heart.” She folds her thin arms over her chest.
The way she’s telling me she doesn’t come with a price tag fills me with a new sensation of heat. A desiring flame of conquering whatever it is we have between us. “Just tell me you don’t feel this.” I point back and forth to the both of us.
She doesn’t move. Only stares off into the horizon.
Ha! She’s playing my game.
“Go home, Reef. I’m not your little toy. Or your brother’s hooker for that matter.” She lowers her gaze to the ground and twists her thin shoulders to spin around, heading back to the garden center.
Oh, I don’t think I’ll head home, sweetheart. I know exactly where I’m going. I continue to watch her walk back inside with those thin legs, and make a plan of how I’ll negotiate the deal with Madame X. Rules don’t apply if you’ve never signed a contract. I’ll have her back in my arms before the Lakers can claim another victory. Isabella, you have just turned this into the biggest game I’ve ever played.
A light sweat begins under my arms and I clench my fists with excitement. I’m not bored. Somehow this miracle woman hasn’t lost my interest.
CHAPTER NINE
I’m done. I repeat the words in my head at least thirty times as I step out of the car. I don’t bother to check the parking lot to see if Madame X’s car is out front because I have bigger things swirling around in my head. I keep staring at my feet, thinking of all the ways I can step inside that office and refuse to take another date. I don’t care if she begs me to stay until my birthday. I can’t do this anymore. Men are complete pigs. Reef Vanguard just proved that. I smooth the front of my apron and take a deep breath of warm air before I open the front doors. Even if it takes my entire lunch hour to explain why I’m quitting, I’ll do it.
“You are hilarious, sir,” Madame X fusses at her desk to a gentleman sitting in front of her. He doesn’t have to turn around to have me recognize him. The t-shirt, jeans, and that man bun give every part of him away. “Ah, my Isabella. Come in, come in.”
I naturally lean back, but the betrayal of my feet brings me forward.
“Your gentleman friend was just inquiring about purchasing you for the entire year.” She smiles with her coffee-stained teeth. The smell of caramel macchiato invades my senses, telling me they’ve been here a while. She’s probably brewed a few pots.
“But—”
“Come now,” she sweetly interrupts me as though she knows I intend to put up a fight, and fans her hands, motioning me forward. “We’re all adults. I think we can handle today’s business in that manner.” She looks back at Reef. “My Isabella is so—stubborn. I am surprised you have found such entertainment with her company.”
I move as close as I can get without sitting next to him.
“How’s your father?” Madame X glares at me for my reluctance. I’m sensing she’s threatening not to make the mortgage payment on my father’s property if I don’t sit down immediately so I’m completely trapped.
I should’ve taken the tip. “He’s great,” I lift the pitch of my voice before I take a seat next to Reef, refusing to look at him. Don’t even try me, handsome. I’m totally onto this game. I tighten my eyes and think of how I can play just as well as the two of them. I’ll have to wait until after he leaves to give Madame X a piece of my mind. That way it won’t be two against one.
“Now, Mr. Vanguard was just telling me he is a very busy man so he would like to put you on his books even when he won’t need you in the case of an emergency, or something else comes up.” Madame X taps the side of her cheek with a pen as she stares down at her little black book.
Reef leans back in the chair and sticks his thumbs in his pockets as though he’s just won. But he has forgotten that I come from a family that never plays fair.
“I’m afraid my hours at the garden center have changed so I am very sorry, but I cannot accept your offer.” I grit my teeth thinking how terribly he just insulted me only a half hour ago.
“Then you will have to quit.” Madame X looks up not bothering to hesitate with her reaction.
“But I can’t quit my job,” I gasp.
“Oh, yes, it is very easy. I can do it for you.” She picks up her phone.
I reach out to grab her arm. “I will need a letter of recommendation after I’m done here and the garden center is the only reputable place to give me one.”
“Then you will put in your two weeks.” She lowers the phone.
Reef gently shakes his head as though he’s telling her that he doesn’t like the new two-week rule.
“Or you will quit today.” She picks back up her phone.
I grab it out of her hands, refusing to allow him to have the power to become the rule maker. “Can I talk with you in private?”
Madame X reaches for a stack of magazines at the side of her desk and hands a few to Reef. “Pardon me, Sir, while I speak with my sweet Isabella in the back for a moment.”
A devilish grin tugs at his lips and I hate that it makes my heart flutter.
I shake my head and walk to the back, wondering why the lights have all been turned off. “Where is everyone?” I ask, and flip the switch to brighten the training room.
“I sent them home.” Madame X closes the door behind us and lets out the loudest breath of anger I’ve ever heard her hold inside. “What are you thinking?” she shrieks.
“He’s ridiculous. I can’t go out with that guy.” I run my hands through my hair and begin pacing the carpeted floor. “He’s rude. And arrogant. And rude.” I take another breath so I don’t pass out. “And did I mention he’s arrogant?”
She nods.
“Well, I refuse to spend another minute in his presence.” I rub the back of my neck as I wander back and forth over the thick carpet, tugging at the blue strap of my apron.
“I am very confused,” Madame X quips. “All these years I have taken you for a mature business woman.”
Is she seri
ous? I can’t even begin to think how maturely I handled his harassment at the garden center. I didn’t even lose my cool in the parking lot. “Can’t you see how ridiculous he’s being by coming in here, flaunting all his money.” I point to the front of the building and stop pacing for a bit.
Madame X reaches up to pinch her chin. “I am curious to know if you have gotten emotionally invested.” She reaches out and grabs my arm. “Is this man melting my little ice queen?”
The edge to her voice makes me crazy.
“That’s ridiculous.”
“Yes, you keep saying that.”
I pull away from her grip and wander over to sit on the crushed velvet couch. She walks over and sits down next to me, stroking the back of my hand with her fingers. I swear I can smell coffee on her blouse. She drinks so much it must be sweating out of her pores.
“Did this man melt you?” She asks.
“I’m not melting. I just need space from,” I pause, “all of this.”
“Okay.”
“It’s just that I’m finally realizing Mia is about to take my place and it hurts. I sort of feel like I’m getting old,” I say, trying to hold back the emotions I’m bottling inside. I can’t bring myself to tell her I allowed myself to fall for this guy. Even if it was only for the weekend. I didn’t mean to. I thought I wouldn’t see him again.
“I want to remind you that you will always be my Isabella. The little girl I found at the flower shop when you weren’t quite twenty.” She lifts her hand to pull my face against her chest, running her fingers through my hair. Does she bathe in Frappuccinos? I’m not sure X has ever been this close to me.
“My life is changing so much,” I remind her. “I don’t even know what I’ll do after I finish here. I’m not going to be someone else’s Isabella out there.” I jut my chin to the front. Madame X has no idea how much the thought of starting a new life frightens me. I’m not even sure I could handle college math. I pull away so I can look her in the face. “If Reef takes up all my time I won’t be able to find another job. My father can’t survive on growing flowers alone. It doesn’t pay like he thinks it does. This is the only reason I’m here.”
Isabella - Book One Page 8
